Kate Upton: Miami Dolphins "disgraced" military, veterans

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (center, head bowed)
links arms with his teammates during the playing of the National Anthem
prior to their game against the Miami Dolphins at Seattle’s CenturyLink
Field on September 11, 2016. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI

| License Photo

Seattle
Seahawks Head Coach Peter Carroll, right, talks to Miami Dolphins head
coach Adam Gase during warmups at CenturyLink Field in Seattle,
Washington on September 11, 2016. Seahawks came from behind to beat the
Dolphins 12-10. Photo by Jim Bryant/UPI

| License Photo

Opinions aren't hard to find when discussing recent NFL protests during the national anthem.

"In my opinion, the national anthem is a
symbolic song about our country," Upton said on the Instagram post. "It
represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have
sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our
freedom."

"Sitting or kneeling down during the national
anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve
our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th
is even more horrific. Protest all you want and use social media all you
want."

"However, during the nearly two minutes when
that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their
heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent
history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or
gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We
live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful.
After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the
podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better
place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates
that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together
towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this
as a society. Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never
imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the
September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if
we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place.
#neverforget."

Upton reposted Verlander's Instagram post from
Sunday. In that post, Verlander wrote: "I choose to stand. Remembering
all those who lost their lives 15 years ago on 9/11. Also, the countless
who've given their lives defending our freedom here at home." She also
reposted a photo from the Seahawks account. In that photo, Richard
Sherman, coach Pete Carroll, and other players stand with interlocking arms during the anthem.

"We are a team comprised of individuals with
diverse backgrounds. And as a team, we have chosen to stand and
interlock arms in unity."- Doug Baldwin Jr," the Seahawks wrote in the
post.

"We encourage all members of our organization
to stand at attention during the national anthem out of respect and
appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded as Americans," the
statement said. "We also recognize that it's an individual's right to
reflect during the anthem in different ways. We respect these liberties
and appreciate the sacrifices that everyone has made for our country,
especially on this day of remembrance. We hope today's events will
continue a respectful and thoughtful dialogue in our community on unity,
inclusiveness and togetherness."